Barcelona is preparing to secure a solid Bournemouth defender on a free transfer, with talks progressing well ahead.
Since Iñigo Martínez’s summer departure to Al-Nassr, the Blaugrana have struggled for balance on the left side of central defence, with Pau Cubarsí’s youth and Andreas Christensen’s injury concerns exposing vulnerabilities.
Financial fair play restrictions and La Liga’s salary cap have forced Deco into the free-agent market, where a Bournemouth star—whose contract expires this summer—has rocketed up the priority list as the ideal successor.
That defender is Marcos Senesi, whose free transfer to Barcelona now appears increasingly likely after he informed Bournemouth of his decision not to renew, as reported by Diario Sport.
The 28-year-old Argentine international has pinpointed Camp Nou as his top choice, with insiders claiming it would be “very difficult to turn down” an offer from Barcelona.
Senesi’s camp has engaged preliminary discussions, and the club’s structured proposal—balancing competitive wages with performance incentives—has positioned them ahead of rivals.
Flick reportedly sees echoes of Martínez in Senesi’s skill set: left-footed aggression, aerial dominance, and composure in possession.
Those qualities are non-negotiable in his tactical setup, where the left-sided centre-back must cover vast spaces while initiating attacks.
Senesi’s 2025-26 Premier League campaign has showcased exactly that, with standout displays against Arsenal and Manchester City highlighting his readiness for a Champions League step-up.
Interest is intense from Tottenham, Newcastle, Juventus, and Chelsea, but Barcelona hold key advantages.
Senesi’s Italian passport eliminates non-EU quota issues, and his modest €4m annual salary fits Deco’s wage discipline.
Landing Senesi gratis would mark a masterstroke, preserving funds for a Lewandowski replacement while delivering instant depth alongside Araújo and Cubarsí.
With pre-contract talks potentially starting next week, the Argentine edges nearer to a dream Catalan switch—fortifying Flick’s title charge without a transfer fee.
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